Thursday, January 7, 2016

In Star Wars: The Force Awakens it was great to find out some of what had happened to fan-favourites 'Han Solo', 'Princess Leia', 'Luke Skywalker', 'R2-D2', 'C-3P0' and 'Chewbecca' thirty years after the events of 1983's Return of the Jedi, but it was also fantastic to be introduced to a whole new generation of heroes in the form of 'Rey', 'Finn', 'Poe Dameron' and 'BB-8'.

Original Star Wars: The Force Awakens costumes and props

on display at Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre

Even though I'd seen these Rey and Finn costumes, along with the adorable droid, BB-8, at Disney's D23 Expo in August, it was still great to see these outfits on display again at the El Capitan Theatre on January 4, 2016 for a closer look, under different lighting, especially now knowing more about Episode VII and the significance of their looks.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie billboard

Michael Kaplan was tasked with designing and introducing these new looks to the Star Wars Universe and I think he did an amazing job of keeping the retro sci-fi feel of the original trilogy.

I'm sure the majority of you have watched the movie by now, but just incase from here on out there be SPOILERS!

Original Rey movie costume worn by Daisy Ridley

in Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Daisy Ridley's plucky 'Rey' is a delight to watch and not only is she a resourceful scavenger on the desert planet of Jakku, but she's also an accomplished pilot and mechanic, plus a powerful wielder of the Force.

I think her bandage-wrapped look is an instant classic and evokes the nomadic 'Sand People/Tusken Raiders' of Tatooine, plus the goggles and head wrap have practical use for the harsh desert planet she was abandoned on. It's also a feminine look, but not at all exploitative or too sexual, so she's great role model for young kids.

Her wrap dress is made of viscose, whilst the head and arm wraps are cotton. Her top is a hemp and cotton jersey, whilst her trousers are silk. Her gloves, waist cuff and belt, backpack are all leather and her boots are made of wool and leather, plus she sports a canvas pouch. Her staff in the film is a 3D printed prop

The wonderful thing is Rey's still a complete mystery, what is her surname (does she have one?), who are her parents, why did they leave her behind, who trained her to fight and pilot a ship, so many things to explore.

I also liked the second look she sported later in the film (less of a bandage wrap, but similar fashion style) when she leaves with Chewbacca and R2-D2 on the Millennium Falcon to find Luke Skywalker, so hopefully I'll also get to see that up close one day.

Rey's Speeder from Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Also part of the exhibit was this miniature model of Rey's Speeder, her transport around Jakku, used to help create the special effects in the movie.

BB-8 animatronic from Star Wars: The Force Awakens

And finally here's Poe Dameron's Astromech droid, BB-8, who after escaping the First Order's attack on the village at the start of the film is rescued by Rey from the scavenger 'Teedo'. He accompanies her and Finn as they attempt to complete his mission and deliver the map to find Luke Skywalker to the Resistance.

It's amazing to think this endearing ball-shaped droid started as a design on J. J. Abrams napkin and was made into a real working animatronic by Matt Denton (Electronic Design and Development Supervisor) and Josh Lee (Senior Animatronic Designer) and their team of engineers. Apparently there were seven versions made for the film (in addition to CGI effects), there main ones and a few other variations.

Stay tuned in the coming days for a closer look at John Boyega's Finn costume and more First Order Stormtrooper costumes also on display. If you get the opportunity, be sure to check out the cool exhibit at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood yourself when you see the film through February 7, 2016.